| February 9, 2007 Dr. Tom Tse finds “the beauty of science and business” in his work as a Cessna Material and Process Engineering specialist. His nanotechnology research has fueled the development of new materials to make safer, better-performing and more cost-productive aircraft—like the new Citation Mustang. The “dance of molecules” he observes under the microscope has shaped his view of how people in a large corporation are also interconnected. This motivated him to form the Textron Nanotechnology Strategy to create a forum to share knowledge across the Textron companies. Tom joined Cessna in August 2005. “Every morning as I enter the plant, the first thing I see is a beautiful Citation jet sitting on our runway. I call it my ‘Cessna cup of coffee.’ It makes you feel proud and excited to make better things for flying.” The road to Wichita, Kansas, and Cessna began with his doctoral studies at MIT in science, engineering, and marketing (see sidebar). His affinity for science, business, and people led to “a broad industrial experience in managerial and technical work” at companies such as Dexter Adhesives, Energizer, and GE Plastics. But before that...
Since I was a little kid, I have always been interested in engineering and airplanes. When I was building airplane models, I wondered how nice it would be to have a job designing and actually building airplanes. There is a certain romance in creating a flying object—its power, speed, functionality, and beauty. It seems like I had been preparing my whole life for my career at Cessna.
Tom Tse, Engineer Specialist, Material and Process Engineering,
Cessna Aircraft Company Birthplace: Hong Kong Current home: Wichita, Kansas Family & pets: My kids and brothers are all around the world in Hong Kong, Toronto, Boston, and New York. My German Shepherd, Bucky, and Vizsla, Macy, are my kids. Education: Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry, Lawrence University; Master of Science, Materials Science and Engineering, MIT; Doctor of Science, Materials Science and Engineering, MIT, and doctoral minor in Marketing, MIT Sloan School of Management First Job Ever: Catering Last Book Read:
The Dance of Molecules: How Nanotechnology is Changing Our Lives by Ted Sargent Favorite movie & TV show: Favorite movie: What Dreams May Come with Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Annabella Sciorra. Favorite TV channels: MTV, History, Science, and National Geographic Channels. Pastimes: Acoustic guitar, photography, soccer, golf, horseback riding, pool, cooking, and karaoke—favorite songs include “Unanswered Prayers,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “American Pie,” “Dust in the Wind,” “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” “Genie in a Bottle,” “Homeward Bound,” “Vincent,” and “Summer Nights.” Work Philosophy: Beauty can be found in a scanning electron microscopy sample, carbon nanotubes, materials and processes for an airplane—and how people in a large organization like ours work together. Key to Success: Broad interdisciplinary knowledge with expertise in unique technical fields, combined with Lean Six Sigma, managerial, and people skills. |
Nanomaterials, adhesives, surface treatments, paints, polymers, composites, metals, and ceramics are materials I work on to make better airplanes and higher profits. Material and process engineering require a deep understanding of the structure-property-processing relations. My Lean Six Sigma and R&D Manager experience integrate with my interdisciplinary technical skills. It is very rewarding to see Cessnans apply chemistry, science, and engineering to make new things happen in building airplanes.
At the nano levels, structure–property–processing relations can be optimized more than in conventional, larger-scale materials and structures. Carbon nanotube is an example of nanomaterials. It is stronger, stiffer, and lighter than steel, aluminum, and graphite fiber. I invented the term “buckymat”—a concept of making lightweight composites with high stiffness, strength, and toughness with superior electrical and thermal conductivities. How we apply it is only limited by our imagination. It can minimize the effects of lightning strike and static electricity, while giving superior performance. The low density is extremely important for designing airplanes, because lightweight translates to high fuel efficiency. These are quantum improvements made with next-generation materials. The superior performance and unique electrical properties help in our commitment to aircraft safety and customer satisfaction.
My current projects are Nanotechnology, Adhesive Rivetless Nutplates, Electrically Conductive Sealants, Solgel Surface Treatments, Windshield Designs, Sprayable Sealants, Production Support—and I apply Lean Six Sigma at all occasions.
My most satisfying accomplishments have been successful development of adhesive rivetless nutplates, electrically conductive sealants, and nanotechnology initiatives. Adhesive rivetless nutplates and electrically conductive sealants were developed in less than a year, resulting in raw materials cost savings and simplifying and speeding up aircraft assembly processes, and enabling higher performance. Both new products are already on Cessna Citation jets.
The feelings of actually touching our new adhesive rivetless nutplates on a Citation Mustang are phenomenal. It means drilling fewer holes, which is a good thing on an airplane. It also has applications for other things besides windshields and we plan on extending this to other Textron divisions like Bell and E-Z-GO. The impact could be millions in savings as the new technology and products make manufacturing easier.
Read extensively to see how the aerospace industry works. Get a good picture of the different companies and jets and see what the market is like globally. If you’re a student, take statistical analysis and experimental design. Find out how to make things and how systems work. Take other courses in marketing, advertising, finance, and customer relations so you understand the big picture. If you’re in a job, get up from your computer and learn what other departments do (at Cessna, with Lean Six Sigma, you interact with other people by default). Have hobbies so you can relax outside of work.
Some coworkers saw me sing and they thought it was really good. Karaoke is phenomenal, it’s a challenge that befriends you. The experience takes away the stress from work and it’s a great way to meet people and to make other people happy. Then you go back to work the next morning, refreshed.
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